NOTE: this model is no longer manufactured.
The Sightmark Photon XT Night Vision Riflescope comes with several impressive features that make it an effective choice for hunting.
With a sturdy glass nylon composite exterior, this riflescope is exceptionally sturdy and durable. It is also quite ergonomic and lightweight.
The Photon XT comes with several reticle options, including Duplex, Crossbow, Mil-Dot, and German reticles, each available in green, red, and white coloration.
This optics claims to have a 33% longer battery life than its competitors and can run for 5 hours on a pair of AA Lithium metal batteries.
A CMOS sensor with a 656x492 pixels camera resolution helps you see the target with clarity. Plus, the LCD with a resolution of 640×480 pixels lets you see a detailed image of the target and landscapes.
Other prominent features are the 4.3° field of view and a 60 mm eye relief. And with the built-in IR illuminator, this powerful device allows you to clearly see objects even in total darkness.
The scope uses a digital system to calculate windage and elevation adjustments to guarantee precision while aiming at the target.
The Photon XT is IPX4 rated, and the detection range is from 150 to 170 yards. The comfortable design and high-power magnification make it suitable for hog hunting, tracking, as well as sighting.
Another good thing about the Photon XT is that you can record everything you see on the field using the video output feature. This allows you to record videos and later see them on your Laptop.
Finally, the Sightmark night vision riflescope comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dustproof and waterproof
- It comes with a carrying case, a lens cloth, and a video-out cable
- Suitable for use both in the day at night
- Lightweight and robust construction
- Equipped with a 33% longer battery life than other models
- User-friendly and long eye-relief
- Quick start-up time
- It comes with a smart video output feature
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Lacks remote control system
- Available in only black color
- Expensive
Unique Features
The Sightmark Photon XT Night Vision Riflescope features some stunning features in robust housing to provide a great experience. These include:
Durable build
The Sightmark Photon XT Night Vision Riflescope is made from glass nylon composite and metal so that it lasts long. It is rigid and features high mechanical strength.
The Photon XT is designed to withstand tough environmental conditions. It is also waterproof and dust-proof so that it ensures excellent performance, regardless of the weather conditions.
Compact and Lightweight
Thanks to the high-grade plastic build, this riflescope is robust yet lightweight. With dimensions of 398 x 75 x 80 mm, it is compact enough to be handled easily and carried around without feeling any extra weight.
It also comes with a carrying case for better portability.
Sensor Resolution
The Photon XT’s CMOS sensor comes with a resolution of 656x492 pixels, which provides exceptional clarity.
It enhances contrast and offers vivid details of the target for up to 150-175 yards. This way, you can see the target very clearly.
Display
The Sightmark riflescope features a high-resolution LCD that lets you see detailed images of the target.
The user interface is also simple as the navigation menu allows you to select different settings like brightness, reticle type, and color.
Field of View
The Photon XT features a horizontal field of view of 4.3° that can be magnified to 7.5° at a distance of 100 meters. This allows you to view larger landscapes rather than a single focal point through the lens.
Magnification
Another prominent feature of this riflescope is the powerful 4.6x magnification. High-power magnification ensures perfect focusing, making this scope very effective for day and night focusing.
It provides a clearer focus on the target and is suitable for hog hunting and competitive shooting. The 42 mm objective lens lets you zoom in on the objects for a detailed view.
Built-in IR illuminator
The Sightmark Photon XT comes with a built-in 810 nm LED IR illuminator with a 120-yard detection range in low light conditions.
With an equivalent power of 100mW, the IR emits light into an infrared spectrum, so you can view objects in the dark.
Long Eye Relief
The scope has long 60 mm eye relief that provides enough room for recoils while preventing eye injury.
Multiple Reticles
This Sightmark riflescope has 6 reticles, including red, white, and green options. You can select the reticle according to the need and get precise target shots.
The scope comes with two Duplex reticles suitable for varmint and hog hunting and two crossbow reticles compatible with different crossbows like 320, 350, and 370 fps crossbows.
There is also a German reticle for shooting in low light conditions and at moving targets, as well as a Mil-Dot reticle that works well for rangefinding and holdovers.
Video Output
This feature allows you to capture everything you see through the lens. You can record all your adventures on the spot and bring them back home. You can quickly transfer the videos to your PC using the video-out cable included in the package.
Digital Windage and Elevation Adjustment System
The digital windage and elevation adjustment system save you from unnecessary guesswork and complex calculations when sighting the optic.
It allows you to be exact in your positioning, so you can hit the target with accuracy.
Battery
The Sightmark riflescope is powered by two AA Lithium metal batteries that can last for 5 hours. It boasts a 33% longer battery life than other similar scopes on the market.
Issues & Concerns
While this Sightmark rifle scope is excellent in all aspects, it comes with a few issues and concerns.
No external power supply
This scope does not support external power supply like USB connectivity. This means you need to keep a spare set of batteries along for an all-day expedition.
Price
Considering the features, this riflescope is a bit overpriced. You can find better models within this price range.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure that the Photon XT lasts you for a while. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Do not submerge the riflescope in water
- Clean the scope’s surface after use
- Don’t use abrasive chemicals on the body
- Clean the lens using a solution and lens cloth
- Make sure to store the riflescope in the carrying case
- Remove the batteries before prolonged storage
Comparing With Sightmark Photon XR Rifle Scope
The Sightmark Photon XT 4.6x42S is designed to provide comfort and precision. Another similar scope, the Sightmark Photon XT 6.5x50S, is a relatively more powerful optic with a native 6.5x magnification.
Both riflescopes feature a camera resolution of 656×492 pixels, a display resolution of 640×480 pixels, and an LCD.
They are equipped with an 810 nm IR illuminator to allow night vision and are powered by 2 AA batteries.
The Sightmark Photon XT 6.5x50S has a relatively larger objective lens of 50 mm than the 42 mm lens in the Sightmark Photon XT 4.6x42S Riflescope. Likewise, the former has a higher field of view and range of detection.
However, the Sightmark 4.6x42S optic is 30% lighter and comes with all essential features, making it equally good for hobbyists and professionals.
Warranty
The Sightmark Photon XT Night Vision Riflescope comes with a limited lifetime warranty covering defects in the digital imaging sensor for 3 years.
The company is not responsible for any damage caused by mishandling and improper use. Plus, the warranty is only valid if the product is registered within 30 days of purchase.
- Brand: Sightmark
- Model: Photon XT 4.6x42S
- Weight: 1.36 Kg
- Dimension: 398 x 75 x 80 mm
- Night vision: Yes
- Magnification maximum: 4.6x
- Objective lens diameter: 42 mm
- Camera resolution: 656 х 492 pixels
- Display Type: LCD
- Display resolution: 640x480 pixels
- Resolution: 38 lines per mm
- Field of view: 4.3°
- Eye relief: 60 mm
- Exit pupil: 5 mm
- Minimum focusing distance: 10m
- Range of recognition: 120m
- Emitter: LED
- Diopter adjustment: ±4
- IR wavelength: 810 nm
- Mounting brackets on the rifle: 30 mm rings
- Windage Range of Adjustment: 60 clicks
- Elevation Range of Adjustment: 60 clicks
- Number of Preloaded Reticles: 6
- Sensor Type: CMOS
- Operating Temperature: -15° C to +40° C
- Power supply: Battery operated
- Battery Type: 2 Lithium Metal batteries
- Level of Protection: IPX4
- Video out: Yes
- Shock resistance: 6000 Joules
Where to Buy
If you are interested in purchasing this Sightmark Photon XT Night Vision Riflescope, you can get it from the manufacturer’s website.
